Does Social Support Modify the Association Between Having a Severely Ill or Injured Relative or Partner With Mental Distress Among Latin American Adolescents and Young Adults?

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the association between having a relative or partner with a severe illness or injury and symptoms of depression and anxiety, and to explore whether perceived social support modifies this relationship. Methods This case–control study focuses on young people aged 15–16 and 20–24 living in deprived areas of Buenos Aires, Bogotá, and Lima. Depression and anxiety symptoms were measured using PHQ-8 and GAD-7. Logistic regression models were used, stratified by levels of perceived social support. Results Among 2342 participants, those with a severely ill or injured relative or partner had increased odds of reporting depression and anxiety symptoms. When the event occurred in the last year, low perceived social support was linked to higher odds of depression (OR = 5.08) and anxiety (OR = 2.89). High support reduced only the risk of depression symptoms. Conclusions These findings align with evidence from other international contexts and highlight the importance of early interventions in situations involving serious health problems of relatives or a partner. Strengthening social support may buffer the psychological impact caused by such events.